DJO is the musical project of actor / producer / songwriter Joe Keery, but after listening to his latest album, I believe we can stop focusing so much on the fact that Keery is a talented actor on Stranger Things and finally just focus on the fact that DJO deserves to be appreciated for its own merits.
The Crux sees DJO as a more mature artist flexing a stronger songwriting muscle, drawing just enough from his influences for those with an ear for this kind of thing to understand what musical lane he’s on, but forming something that he can call his own. I get the feeling he learned from the success of his hit song “End of Beginning” and built upon that. The way I can best sum this up is that it has a Classic Rock/Pop vibe produced with contemporary tools and sensibilities. Catchy hooks, sweet melodies, broadly accessible lyrics, and a healthy dose of anthemic. He understood what it meant to record it at the legendary Electric Lady Studios in New York City.
Overall, I think this is a album with plenty of moments to make it a repeat-listen quality album. It may not be groundbreaking, but it already feels like one of those albums I can look back on and say “that’s what 2025 felt like.”
Check out my picks for the Top 5 Tracks on DJO’s The Crux.
“Lonesome is a State of Mind”
This is a strong start to the album. I love me some speak-singing vocals, and the way it’s executed in the first verse with that effect really works for me. I dig the melodies, particularly enjoying when the verses and that guitar lick hit. The outro takes a nice turn by punching up the chorus with some synths. Am I crazy for feeling there’s a bit of influence from The Strokes (even Albert Hammond Jr’s solo work) in this one?
“Basic Being Basic”
This is the track on the album that felt most like a single. That’s not a bad thing, but it does speak to its ear-worm quality and the side-to-side swaying it will likely inspire at shows. I’ve found myself randomly (& poorly) mimicking his high-pitched delivery of “that’s basic” throughout the week I dedicated to making my Top 5 selections, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. More than anything I like the synths that evoke The Cars, but I am also feeling like I want to see a fest crowd react when that bridge hits.
“Charlie’s Garden”
I definitely hear some Beatles and ELO influence in this bouncy track. It’s the kind of light vibe that can make the mundane a little bit sweeter.
“Gap Tooth Smile”
This song feels like it could be on a Classic Rock station and people wouldn’t think twice about whether it belongs there — and I bet some may not even notice that it’s not an old song. “Gap Tooth Smile” feels like it’s plucked out of the 70s— I dig the chorus (Tom Petty would be proud), the “la-la-las” and that riff.
“Back On You”
Out of all the songs on this list, I’d say that this one is my favorite. Another Classic Rock-type song but given a crisp make-over. The choir, the simple 1-2 drumming, and the anthemic chorus all feels like the kind of 70s production that always sits well with me. A lot of the guitar work sure feels like it was developed after reconnecting with his Post Animal pals/ex-bandmates— I’d say that “Back On You” is like a cousin of Post Animal’s “Ralphie.” The epic outro makes this feel like the perfect set-closer on tour 🤘
